Apply to the Anthropology and Social Change Program

Please click below to start an application!

Beginning November 15, 2018, you will be able to submit your entire application online, save for the transcripts.

If you are applying for Fall 2019, transcripts should be either emailed or mailed to the CIIS Admissions Office. If emailing transcripts, please send to materials@ciis.edu. If mailing, please send to:

1453 Mission St.Admissions OfficeSan Francisco, CA 94103

Application Deadline Information:

January 15, 2019 - Drama Therapy deadlineFebruary 15, 2019 - Priority deadline for all other programs (1st review): Applications after this date are considered on a space-available basis and may not be able to be considered if you miss this deadline.April 15, 2019 - Application deadline for 2nd review: (pending space availability)

Anthropology and Social Change offers both a MA and PhD. Please visit Applying to CIIS for application deadlines and other important information.

Click here to view MA application requirements

Admissions ApplicationComplete the online graduate application.

Application FeeThere is a non-refundable $65 fee required with your application. Payments can be made online when submitting your application.

Minimum GPAA GPA of 3.0 or higher in previous coursework is required. However, a GPA below 3.0 does not automatically disqualify an applicant and CIIS will consider a prospective student whose GPA is between 2.0 and 3.0. These individuals are required to submit a GPA Statement and are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions to discuss their options.

TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all accredited academic institutions attended where 7 or more credits have been earned. If transcripts are being mailed to CIIS, they must arrive in their official, sealed envelopes. Transcripts from institutions outside the US or Canada require a foreign credit evaluation through World Education Services (WES) or CIIS will also accept foreign credential evaluations that are in a comprehensive course-by-course format from the current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Autobiographical Statement A four-to-six page (typed, double-spaced) introspective autobiographical statement discussing your values, emotional and spiritual insights, aspirations, and life experiences that have led to your decision to apply.

Two Letters of Recommendation Recommenders should use standard business format and include full contact information-name, email, phone number, and mailing address.

Academic Writing Sample A writing sample of eight-to-ten pages (typed, double-spaced) that demonstrates your capacity to think critically and reflectively and demonstrates graduate level writing abilities. A sample that uses outside sources must include proper citations. You may submit copies of previous work, such as a recent academic paper, article, or report that reflects scholarly abilities.

Click here to view PhD application requirements

PhD Admission Requirements

Degree Requirement: A bachelor's and master's degree (or their equivalents from a regionally accredited institution.

Minimum GPA: A GPA of 3.0 or higher in previous coursework is required. However, a GPA below 3.0 does not automatically disqualify an applicant and CIIS will consider a prospective student whose GPA is between 2.0 and 3.0. These individuals are required to submit a GPA Statement and are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions to discuss their options.

Transcripts: Official transcripts from all accredited academic institutions attended where 7 or more credits have been earned. If transcripts are being mailed to CIIS, they must arrive in their official, sealed envelopes. Transcripts from institutions outside the US or Canada require a foreign credit evaluation through World Education Services (WES) or CIIS will also accept foreign credential evaluations that are in a comprehensive course-by-course format from the current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Autobiographical Statement: A four-to-six page (typed, double-spaced) introspective autobiographical statement discussing your values, emotional and spiritual insights, aspirations, and life experiences that have led to your decision to apply.

Goal Statement: A one-page (typed, double-spaced) statement of your educational and professional objectives.

Two Letters of Recommendation: Recommenders should use standard business format and include full contact information-name, email, phone number, and mailing address.

Academic Writing Sample: A writing sample of eight to ten pages (typed, double-spaced) that demonstrates your capacity to think critically and reflectively and demonstrates graduate level writing abilities. A sample that uses outside sources must include proper citations. You may submit copies of previous work, such as a recent academic paper, article, or report that reflects scholarly abilities.

International Students

Please note: International students and individuals who have studied at institutions outside the US and Canada have additional requirements. Please see the International Student page for additional details.

Contact us

If you have any additional questions about admissions, please contact our admissions counselor: